Winter Natural History Hikes 

On select Saturdays at 10-11 a.m. join a naturalist for a winter natural history hike!

We’ll search for animal tracks and signs in the snow while listening for MN’s year-round resident birds. Meet in the nature center lobby before we depart the building at 10:15 a.m. 

Free Program, registration recommended: 2-15 attendees per program.

Saturday, January 6, 2024
Saturday, January 27, 2024

Saturday, January 20     11 am - 2 pm, FREE

Winterfest

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | January 20, 2024 | Springbrook Nature Center

Wander through our Winter Wonderland with activities for the whole family!  Activities will include: 

Winter Gear Drive 

December 1, 2023 to January 13, 2024

Let's keep each other warm! We are accepting donations of gently used/new winter outerwear. Please make sure your items are clean and ready for their new home! Donated gear will be available free of charge during Winterfest on January 20, 2024. 

Donations can be dropped off at City Hall, Springbrook Nature Center or North Suburban Center for the Arts during business hours from Dec. 1, 2023 to Jan. 13, 2024. 

Add Some Community Shimmer to Winterfest!  with North Suburban Center for the Arts

November 17, 2023 to January 13, 2024

Add some winter wonder magic to our community wonderland photo backdrop! Head to North Suburban Center for the Arts from Nov. 17 through Jan. 13 to add your artistic flair to our community artwork then stop by Winterfest on 1/20 to see the final creation!

Snowshoe with a Naturalist

February 3   1-2 p.m.
February 17  1-2  p.m.

Visit Springbrook Nature Center from 1-2 p.m. for a naturalist-led snowshoeing walk! Explore our trails in a new way and try out our rental snowshoes. 

Ages 6+

Fee: $5 per person, registration recommended: 2-15 attendees per program

*Snowshoes are included but you are welcome to bring your own.

Animal Feedings

Update: Our Animal feeding program is returning on a limited basis!

When we can have them, they will be on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. Check our Facebook page on Fridays!

Have you ever wondered how snakes eat, what’s for breakfast when you’re a turtle, or how a salamander finds a meal? This is the program for you. Watch our exhibit animals enjoy a delicious meal while a naturalist explains their feeding behaviors and taste preferences. Experience the predator-prey relationship in front of your eyes!

There is no charge to attend this program.

Saturday, April 20  11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Returning Event | April 2024
A variety of outdoor and environmental exhibitors will be present to help us appreciate our wonderful natural world. This FREE event will also include an interactive nature hike, food trucks and activities for the whole family.    

Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., FREE

Join us to celebrate Springbrook Nature Center’s Migration Celebration event! This is an annual event to celebrate the return of our migratory birds including programs and activities for all ages. 

More information coming soon!

Bike Programs

No bike? No problem! We recently received an Anoka County SHIP grant for a fleet of bicycles and are excited to offer these biking opportunities to Age 13+ to Adults! Bicycles and helmets are provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. 

Birding By Bike (2024 dates will be announced soon)
It's time for a birdwatching adventure!  The program will start at Springbrook Nature Center and take regional bike trails to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park before heading back. We will pass through wetland, prairie, river floodplain, and oak forest habitats. Distance 7-9 miles.

Bike with a Naturalist (2024 dates will be announced soon)
Join us for a leisurely bike ride led by a naturalist! Ask questions, explore, and learn about the environment. 

Outdoor Adventures

This private program series is for small family/friend groups consisting of no more than 15 people. There is no age limit for this program, but a parent/guardian must be in attendance for all registrants under the age of 18. Whether you are age 5 or 50, we will create an adventure for your group. The program will be entirely outside and will begin at our picnic shelter. 

Fees and Availability

Fees: $50, up to 15 people total, regardless of age. 

Availability: Monday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Topics

Explore the topics and choose what is best for you! If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call and we will help you build your own adventure!

Survival

See if you have what it takes to build a shelter from scratch and start a fire without matches!       *fire starting age requirement is 8-years-old and up.

Archery

Learn the basics of archery starting with what came before the modern bow. *recommended age of children is 7-years-old and up.

Pond Exploration

Learn about the wetlands of Springbrook from inside them! Whether you dip in a hand or jump in with both feet we’ll get an up-close view of our ponds and the creatures inside them. 

Insect Discovery

Dive into the secret world of insects within Springbrook’s Prairies. We’ll get up close to the diverse world of insects and how they color our landscapes. 

Build Your Own Adventure

If your interests don’t fit any of the adventures above, we’ll work with you to build an adventure that fits your interests.

Booking Your Program

Are you ready to get started with your Outdoor Adventure?  Call the nature center at 763-572-3588 and book your program today! Time slots are limited, don’t wait.

Summer Concert Series 

Join us in the Springbrook Nature Center Amphitheater for some great live music! These concerts are free to attend and great for all ages. Concerts are generously supported by the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation.  Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, some insect repellent and get ready for a fun night outdoors. *Dogs are not allowed unless they are a trained service dog.

Concert Schedule will be announced in 2024

Friday Night By Firelight

It's time for some entertaining education for you and the whole family.  Come out to the nature center amphitheater to hear from entertaining educators about the things they are most passionate about.  This program is free to the public due to the generous sponsorship of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation.

Fall 2024 will be available at a later date

Springbrook's Bird Banding Program Ends After 35 Years

After 35 years of dedication to the bird banding citizen science project, this was our last bird banding program.  We thank all our volunteers for their hard word, dedication, and ability to work in harsh weather conditions, buggy situations, and with great joy for decades.